Lua,is it worth studying ?

[manofleisure]

I am looking into learning some Lua techniques here in my area and was wandering what were other martial artists opinions on the system and its effectiveness.

I am looking into other styles as well like silat or kali and from just clips I've seen on the different techniques,Lua
seems to be of a harder nature,requiring strength for takedowns versus
off balancing done in silat or kali.

Finally would this style be of benefit to learn and compliment me in my future
studies of the martial arts.

[haumana2000]

I have focused primarily on the Pacific and Filipino Island connection for years and find the arts meld and compliment eachother well. and within our PAcific Island Organization, they are emphasised as an individal but interlocking our part of our island heritage, like Bwang (Micronesia) Mau Rakau, Rongomamau (Maori), or Kali and Silat, they all share certain qualities and similarities but each has a distinct flavor.

The biggest factor would be where you are located at. There are different styles and interpretations of Lua, it depends whom you are studying with. There were orginally 12 schools or styles of lua throughout the islands, each having a different area they specialized in. If you are a non-Hawaiian, you have to realize that within the islands true authentic lua is still pretty much off limits or, kapu to outsiders. Having trained there, I would say that the traditional Lua in contrast to the mainland style has of course more cultural emphasis olelo (language) Haka (dance) and protocol as it is considered a treasure to the Hawaiian people. From a physical standpoint, the stances are a little wider, and the arms held in a more extended guard, and the techniques are a little harder/strength based. Weapons are pretty much the same but Kaihewalu Lua also contains modern weapons as well. Kaihewalu Lua is great from a combative standpoint and is taught here on the mainland as well. I can probably put you in touch with someone so feel free to pm me.